The couple of shows prior to this one contain some pretty high highs, and this cap to the '94 Spring Tour follows suit just swimmingly. Both sets and BOTH encores are played through and through with the conviction and tenacity of a band that questions what they're to do with themselves on their two-week break following 44 shows in two months. Set 1 highlights include a strong Divided Sky opener and a sparky Julius. David Bowie closer has a few nice moments that stray off the beaten path, but is relatively contained and straightforward in comparison to other heavy hitters from the era--including the performance from two nights earlier. Nevertheless, the band pounds this one home before taking a well-deserved set break.

Set 2 follows suit with a few particularly strong, if straightforward, performances of McGrupp and OKPC > Suzy. The easy highlights in this set, though, are a dark and dreary exploratory SOaM ("It gets bigger, and bigger as the song goes on!" Fishman incantates) and a fiery Antelope closer. This 15-minute Split Open and Melt (relatively long, even for jam-chart-worthy editions of the tune) covers plenty of ground in its footprint, at points seeming to open up the Earth and set hell loose before a fragmented and dynamically alternating approach to the literal screaming finish. Antelope on the other hand struck me upon first listen as a more musically rich and precise performance than some other notable iterations, traditionally speaking. Everyone is on fire here, but Trey is demonstrates especially disciplined and masterful playing. The near silent "Rye Rye Rocco" section is a lovely touch.

Slap on top of all that two encores totaling 5-6 songs, one of which is a beautiful Hood, and you've got yourself a damn fine conclusion to a great Spring tour.